Special Service and Features
Union Ministers Shri Parshotham Rupala, and Dr. L Murugan will participate in the Sagar Parikrama program to be held in Kerala and Lakshadweep from June 7 to 12, 2023.
Livelihood meets sustainability in fishing for better tomorrow with Sagar Parikrama today. Sagar Parikrama would enable the Government in devising better policy for improving the quality of life and economic well-being of the people of coastal community especially the marine fishermen in the country.The journey of Sagar Parikrama shall focus on sustainable balance between the utilization of marine fisheries resources for the food security of the nation, livelihoods of coastal fisher communities and the protection of marine ecosystems, to bridge the various gaps of fisher communities, development of fishing villages, upgradation & creation of infrastructure such as fishing harbours & fish landing centres to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.
(Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri. Parshottam Rupala, has taken this unique initiative of “Sagar Parikrama” to visit coastal areas of entire country through a pre-decided sea route to meet fishermen, fish farmers and beneficiaries of various Government Schemes, and to interact with them to hear directly from them about their issues and suggestions to further uplift the fisheries sector in the country for the benefits of the fishers and other stakeholders. The journey of first phase of “Sagar Parikrama” has started from Mandvi, Gujarat on 5th March 2022 and so far in the Six Phases of Sagar Parikrama the coastal areas of Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andaman & Nicobar have been covered. Sagar Parikrama Phase-VII, journeys shallcover Kerala and Lakshadweep followed by locations like Mangalore, Kasargode, Madakkara, Pallikkara, Chalium, Kanhangadu, Kozhikode, Mahe, Beypore, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kavaratti, Bangaram Island, Aggati etc.
Kerala fisheries sector contributes around 1.58% to the total GDP and the export of marine products has set ever time record of Rs 5919.02 Crores during the year 2017-18. Around 222 fishing villages are there in the marine and 113 fishery villages in the inland sector, where fishing and relative aspects provide livelihood to a vast majority of the population. The extent of inland water resources of Kerala is highly potential for expanding aquaculture.The aquatic biodiversity and fish wealth of Kerala sustain more than 10 lakh fisherfolk and supports numerous additional activities including commercial fishing, aquacultureetc.
Whereas, Lakshadweep has a vast lagoon of 4,200 Sq. Kms, territorial waters of 20,000 Sq. Km, Exclusive Economic Zone  of 4,00,000 lakhs Sq. Kms and coastal line of about 132 Kms. The sea around Lakshadweep is rich in fishery resources and the main fishery resource in the islands are Tuna. The estimated marine fishery potential resources in the sea around Lakshadweep is about one lack tones of tuna, tuna like fishes and about an equal quantity of shark.
Hon’ble Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Hon’ble Dr. L Murugan, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and senior officials from Kerala State, UT Administration of Lakshadweep, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, National Fisheries Development Board, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India and fishermen representatives shall grace the occasion and take part in the Sagar Parikrama event in Kerala and Lakshadweep from 7th - 12th June, 2023
Fisheries sector provides livelihood, employment, and entrepreneurship to more than 2.8 crore fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and several lakhs along the value chain.This sector has gradually evolved over the years to become an important pillar of socio-economic growth of the nation. Over the past 75 years the sector has transformed with a 22-fold increase in fish production. From a mere 7.5 lakh tons in 1950-51, India’s total fish production has reached a record 162.48 lakh tons per annum in 2021-22, with a 10.34% growth in fish production in 2021- 22 in comparison to 2020-21. Today, India is the 3rd largest fish producing country with about 8% share in global fish production. India stands 2nd in aquaculture production and one of the top cultured shrimps producing nation in the world.
Certificates/sanctions related to Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme , Kisan Credit Card shall be awarded to the progressive fishermen, fishers and fish farmers, young fishery entrepreneurs etc. during the event. Literature on PMMSY scheme, UT schemes, e-shram, FIDF, KCC, etc. shall be popularised through print media, electronic media, videos, and digital campaigns through jingles among fishers for wide publicity of schemes.
Sagar Parikrama shall contribute to appropriate planning, collaboration and adherence to sustainable fishing practice which can mitigate potential negative impact and maximize the positive contributions on fisheries sector such as disseminate information on fisheries related schemes/programs implemented by government, showcasing the best practices, promote responsible fisheries and demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolks and concerned stakeholders. Upcoming Sagar Parikrama phases will inspire and create impactful effort to address the concerns of fishermen and encourage them in availing various schemes and KCC for their betterment.